Is Salt Actually Good for You?

A new development in the battle against salt is leading some scientists to question whether a low-sodium diet is actually healthy for you.

In a study published Wednesday by the Journal of the American Medical Association, Belgian researches "estimated sodium intake of nearly 3,700 participants, with an average age of about 40, by measuring sodium in their urine at the beginning and end of the study."

What they found was that the people with the lowest amount of sodium intake "had no greater protection against high blood pressure after eight years than those who consumed the highest levels," according to the Boston Globe.

CBS News is quick to point out flaws in the study, noting that the 3,700 participants were "white, relatively young, slimmer than the typical American and had normal blood pressure before the study started." It also notes that the urine was only tested twice, and that sodium levels can fluctuate from day to day.

Still, for those living a low-sodium diet, tonight might be a good time to pass the salt.